Narendra Modi says govt working to bring 99% things, including almost all items used by common man, in 18% GST slab

Mumbai: Indicating that further simplification of the Goods and Services Tax is on the anvil, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections of 2019, said that his government wants to ensure that '99 percent things' attract sub-18 percent GST slab.

Before implementation of the GST, registered enterprises only numbered 65 lakh, which has now risen by 55 lakh, Modi said, addressing the Republic Summit here.

"Today, the GST system has been established to a large extent and we are working towards a position where 99 percent things will attract the sub-18 percent GST slab," Modi said.

Modi indicated that the 28 percent slab of GST would only be restricted to a few select items, such as luxury goods.

The Prime Minister said the effort will be to ensure that 99 percent of all items, including almost all items used by the common man, would be kept at a GST slab of 18 percent or less.

File image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. AP

"We are of the opinion of making GST as smooth as possible for the enterprises," he said.

"In earlier days, the GST was framed according to the existing VAT or excise tax structures exercised in those respective states. (With) the discussions held from time to time, the tax system is getting improved," Modi said.

"The country was demanding GST for decades. I am pleased to say that GST implementation has removed contradictions in the trade market and the efficiency of the system is improving. The economy is also getting transparent," Modi said.

Even a small tax reform in developed countries is not easy, he said.

Modi also spoke of his government's commitment to root out corruption.

"Corruption had been taken as a new normal in India. It was 'Chalta hai'. Whenever anyone used to speak up, someone would say, 'This is India. This is how it is'," Modi said.

"Why should it be like this," he said.

When companies used to be unable to repay loans, nothing used to happen to them and their owners, he said.

"That is because since the start they had been given protection from probes by certain 'special people', he added.

Modi also dwelt on his government's initiative to provide gas connections to households.

"Till 2014, only 55 percent houses in the country had a gas connection. Imagine that. Our government is working towards finding permanent solutions and ending those practices
that have held progress back for decades," he said.